More LGBT adopters and foster carers are needed in 2017 to provide loving homes for children in Britain, according to New Family Social. 1 in 10 adoptions in England in 2016 were to same-sex couples, but some 70,000 children in the country are in care. Experts estimate that an additional 9,000 foster carers alone were needed across the UK in 2016.

New Family Social will hold two information seminars specifically for LGBT people, in Manchester on 9th March and central London on 10th March. These flagship events take place in LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week which starts on 6th March. Free to attend, experts will be on hand to answer questions, alongside LGBT people who are already fostering or who’ve adopted.

A series of some 40 sessions are also planned across Britain to mark the week, organised by regional adoption and foster care services. These will raise awareness among LGBT people that they can provide homes and families for vulnerable children through adopting or fostering.

New Family Social Chief Executive Tor Docherty, said: ‘While it’s heartening to see so many LGBT people successfully adopting, there are still many vulnerable children in Britain who need foster carers and adoptive parents. Our families are resilient, resourceful and remarkable – LGBT people can bring a unique set of skills to parenting. If you’re considering your family options LGBT Adoption & Fostering week is the perfect time to find out more.’